In which religious tradition is the term “Anuvrata”, meaning small vows, especially associated with the conduct of lay followers?

Introduction / Context:
Different Indian religious traditions use distinct terms for vows, disciplines, and ethical rules. In Jainism, a key distinction is made between the very strict vows taken by monks and nuns and the more moderate vows suitable for lay followers who live in society. The term Anuvrata plays an important role in this context and often appears in objective questions on religions of India. The question asks you to identify the religious tradition most closely associated with this term.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The keyword is Anuvrata, literally meaning small or limited vows. • Options are Mahayana Buddhism, Hinayana Buddhism, Jainism, and the Lokayata sect. • We assume basic familiarity with concepts of vows in Indian religions.

Concept / Approach:
Jain ethics revolve around non violence, truth, non stealing, celibacy, and non possession. Monks and nuns are expected to follow these principles in their most absolute form, known as Mahavratas or great vows. Lay followers, however, cannot observe such extreme discipline while living in the world, so they adopt milder forms of the same vows, referred to as Anuvratas, or small vows. Buddhism uses different terminology for its precepts, and the Lokayata sect is materialist and sceptical. Therefore, the term Anuvrata points directly to Jainism rather than to Buddhist or materialist traditions.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recognise that the suffix vrata or vrata refers to a vow or religious observance in Sanskrit and related languages. Step 2: Recall that Jainism distinguishes clearly between Mahavrata for ascetics and Anuvrata for laypersons. Step 3: Understand that Anuvrata are scaled down versions of the same core ethical vows, adapted to the practical life of householders who still engage in economic and social activities. Step 4: Compare this with Mahayana and Hinayana Buddhism, where ethical rules are described in terms of precepts or shila, not usually with the specific term Anuvrata. Step 5: Note that the Lokayata or Charvaka tradition is materialist and rejects many religious practices, so a structured vow system is not its focus. Step 6: Conclude that among the options, Jainism is the religious tradition most closely associated with Anuvrata.

Verification / Alternative check:
Textbooks on Jainism typically present a table listing five Mahavratas for ascetics and corresponding Anuvratas for lay followers. They emphasise that the same principles apply, but the intensity and practical application differ. In contrast, introductions to Buddhism talk about the five precepts, the eightfold path, and various monastic rules, without using the term Anuvrata. Checking any standard comparative religion chart will therefore confirm that this term belongs to Jain ethical vocabulary.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Mahayana Buddhism: Uses terms like bodhisattva vows and precepts, but not Anuvrata as a central technical term. Hinayana Buddhism: Emphasises monastic discipline and lay precepts but again does not feature Anuvrata in the way Jainism does. Lokayata sect: A materialist and sceptical school that does not promote a formal vow system under this term.

Common Pitfalls:
Because many Indian religious terms sound similar, students sometimes treat any Sanskrit or Prakrit word ending in vrata as generic and guess one of the Buddhist options. Another confusion arises when learners assume Mahavrata and Anuvrata belong to the same tradition as the eightfold path or the four noble truths, which actually belong to Buddhism. To avoid mistakes, remember that elaborate classifications of vows, especially Mahavrata and Anuvrata, are a hallmark of Jain ethics, making Jainism the safest choice whenever these terms appear in multiple choice questions.

Final Answer:
The term Anuvrata, meaning small vows for lay followers, is especially associated with Jainism.